Du Changzai once was pregnant, but did not give birth?
Lin Wanyi didn’t know this news before.
No wonder she just showed such a caring expression.
So Lin Wanyi smiled slightly, seemingly comforting and said.
"Sister is still young, there will certainly be opportunities in the future."
When she said this, she deliberately filled her eyes with sadness.
Du Changzai naturally assumed she was lamenting her own difficulties in having offspring, and was sincere for a moment.
"Sister, no need to worry, you are much younger than sister. Once you recover, seeking the Imperial Physician to check will suffice. The Noble Consort Lan and Lady Ying in the palace also had pregnancies several years after entering the palace, so it’s not urgent."
Consort Lan entered the palace in the eighth year of Yuanhe, and Noble Princess Consort Ying in the 13th year of Yuanhe.
To this day, one has been here for nine years, the other for five, and only now have their first pregnancies.
She has only been in the palace for a few months, even if she seriously nurtures herself, it’s alright.
The two chatted briefly, and Ming Changzai walked in from outside.
In the past, Lin Wanyi had hardly dealt with this Ming Changzai.
Today’s meeting, she was dressed somewhat plainly.
Lin Wanyi thought she was already dressed simply, but couldn’t believe Ming Changzai even more so.
Clearly in the flower of youth, why dress so plainly.
However, the two still nodded in courtesy as was expected.
Du Changzai, upon seeing Ming Changzai, had eyes shining with jealousy.
Yet Lin Wanyi did not understand what was there to be jealous of with such dress.
Upon reconsidering, it seemed there must be more beneath the surface for Du Changzai to show such expression.
Lin Guifei is under house arrest and won’t appear at the palace banquet.
Du Changzai, having lost her support, naturally seeks another.
In such times, when not getting close with friendly concubines, but instead showing hostility, must be intrigue.
Looks like Ming Changzai plans to make a notable appearance today.
Thinking of this, she picked up the teacup on the table to take a sip.
But was stopped by Xia An beside her.
"Mistress, your health is just improving, Doctor Dou advised against drinking tea, lest it interferes with the medicine."
These words made reasonable sense, and no one around found it strange.
"Yes, yes, I’ve also had medicine from Doctor Dou and was told not to drink tea, sister should refrain and prioritize her health."
Du Changzai was sincere when she said this.
Lin Wanyi glanced at Xia An, then casually put the teacup down.
Wearing a smile, she said.
"Look at me, drinking medicine for so long and still not keeping this in mind."
Du Changzai smiled with her, and both turned to look elsewhere.
Ming Changzai, however, remained as composed as ever, as if the palace banquet had nothing to do with her.
When the Emperor arrived, he was accompanied by Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Lan.
One is now the rightful ruler of the harem, the other is a high-ranking concubine about to bear a son.
Their appearance was naturally the focus of everyone’s attention.
Not to mention the Emperor, whom all the concubines yearned for, stood in the midst.
Today’s Emperor wore the bright yellow Dragon Robe, not the casual cooling attire embroidered by Lin Wanyi.
He seemed to have returned to that unreachable sovereign.
"Your humble consort pays homage to the Emperor, long live the Emperor."
"Your humble consort wishes Princess Consort Yi good health, wishes Lady Lan good health."
The seats on the left and right were respectively occupied by Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Lan, while the Emperor was naturally seated at the center.
Just a few steps elevated, it inspired immeasurable awe.
Lin Wanyi felt the current Emperor was both familiar and unfamiliar.
In comparison, she preferred the Emperor she saw in the Huifang Courtyard.
"Thank you, Emperor."
Everyone returned to their seats, Lin Wanyi glanced around, noticing the affection-filled gazes.
Especially Bai Pin sitting opposite, behind Princess Consort Yi, her thoughts laid bare on her face.
Today’s attire was quite outstanding.
She understood her appearance well, knowing just how to dress to be most alluring.
The effort put in, even Lin Wanyi found her more stunning than when they first met.
But perhaps too refined.
It seemed burdensome instead.
Excessively does more harm than good.
Though she wouldn’t casually comment on this.
Planning to grab a cup to ease the awkwardness, she remembered Xia An’s reminder.
So she pretended to wipe her lips with a handkerchief, making do.
From the top seat, the Emperor could easily observe Lin Wanyi’s every movement from the corner of his eye.
Wasn’t she told to dress up?
Why did she still look as usual, simple and plain?
She sure knows how to be perfunctory, wait until she returns, he’ll see to it.
His gaze returned to Princess Consort Yi’s side, and he said.
"Today’s palace banquet is nice, Princess Consort Yi has put effort."
"Thank you, Emperor, it is my honor that all sisters in the palace enjoy it."
Today, Princess Consort Yi was proper, without her past arrogance.
In the past, when Lin Guifei was in charge, her expression was rarely relaxed.
"Of course, Princess Consort Yi put great effort into bringing these masters from the people. Look, Emperor, isn’t the doll I made lifelike?"
Bai Pin chimed in, eager for the Emperor’s attention to be solely on her.
She spoke while constantly showcasing her carefully adorned features.
The Emperor glanced at her, finding it intricate.
Like being used to simple fare, suddenly presented with a lavish feast, unsure where to start.
So he just responded with "Mmm," and moved on.
He turned to Lady Ying and asked.
"I have already inquired about Princess Consort Lan’s health on the way here, she is well-maintained, how about you?"
Upon hearing this, Lady Ying felt the Emperor’s concern in such a setting cut like a knife.
She didn’t even need to look to feel Bai Pin’s fierce glare.
Nevertheless, she calmed herself and stood up.
Her belly, now seven months, had grown much larger.
Perhaps the child is growing rapidly inside, hence more noticeable than before.
"Thank you for your concern, Emperor, I am doing well."
"Mmm, that is good. Remember to take the fetus-preserving medicine prescribed by Doctor Cheng daily. Also, don’t stay indoors all the time, it’s better to walk outside more. Otherwise, during delivery, you might find it taxing."
Such considerate words, if spoken to Princess Consort Lan.
She would barely contain her smile, but Lady Ying found them worrisome.
Compared to Princess Consort Lan, her power in the harem was quite limited.
All she had managed to secure was Mu Daying.
Originally thought she could share some of the burden with her, but unexpectedly, the Emperor moved to Qiqing Hall.